‘Sopranos’ star delights Mardi Gras revelers

NEW ORLEANS – Chilly temperatures did not deter the revelers who turned out Sunday to watch the parades roll through the city on the last weekend before Mardi Gras.

Several parades rolled Sunday, culminating with the Krewe of Bacchus, one of the most-anticipated events of Carnival. This year, the parade was led by actor James Gandolfini of “The Sopranos.”

Clad in a black derby, a white tunic over white tights and black knee-high boots, Gandolfini threw doubloons to giddy spectators by the fistful. He was on the upper level of double-decker float where he sat on a half-crown throne.

It was because of Gandolfini that truck driver Andre Fos staked out a spot early.

“Anything to do with the Mafia is my thing,” said Fos as he drained a beer – before noon – on nearby Magazine Street.

Earlier, the Krewe of Thoth put on a crowd-pleasing processional, including double-decker floats with costumed masked riders tossing beads, stuffed animals and other trinkets to revelers.

Leslie Petty, of Slidell, wore feathers and a necklace adorned with large plastic apples. She was with friends and family, feasting on a spread including barbecue and chicken. She said she had abandoned her diet until Wednesday.

“We’re going to party until Lent,” Petty said.

Mardi Gras is considered a key to reviving New Orleans’ tourism business following the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Before the storm, about a million visitors came here over the four days capped by Fat Tuesday. Officials expect about 700,000 this year – but as of Sunday, did not have any estimates.